The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and the federal government have reached an important milestone in creating Canada’s largest marine protected area, signing an agreement in principle for Tallurutiup Imanga.

Tallurutiup Imanga, also referred to as Lancaster Sound, covers 110,000 square kilometres and lies at the eastern entrance of the Northwest Passage.

According to a media release, the agreement in principle was reached on Oct. 30 and outlines elements of the future Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) for the area, which encompasses five communities: Grise Fiord, Resolute, Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay and Clyde River.

An IIBA has to be negotiated before the establishment of any new park or conservation area in Nunavut. It’s intended to ensure that Inuit will benefit from its establishment, get infrastructure and resources, and will receive training and employment opportunities.

The signing of the agreement in principle is a “very significant milestone” in the process, said P.J. Akeeagok, the president of the QIA. In a backgrounder, the QIA said the agreement includes the preamble and principles of the IIBA, a new collaborative governance model, and a community advisory body.

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